HBO Storybook Musicals

Watch HBO Storybook Musicals

  • 2012
  • 1 Season
  • 7.7  (21)

HBO Storybook Musicals was a musical television series broadcast by HBO in 1987. It starred Heidi Stallings, Gina Marie Huaman, and the late Christopher Reeve. The premise of the show was to present classic stories from children's literature in a musical format. Each episode featured a different story, such as "The Red Shoes," "The Princess and the Pauper," and "The Emperor's New Clothes." The stories were presented with original songs and choreography, bringing the characters and their adventures to life in a lively, entertaining way.

Heidi Stallings was the host of the show, introducing each story and providing some background information and context for viewers. Stallings, who also appeared in some of the episodes as a character, had a warm and engaging presence that made the audience feel welcomed and included.

Gina Marie Huaman was one of the primary performers in the show, playing various roles throughout the series. Often, she played the lead character or narrator of the story, giving her ample opportunities to showcase her vocal and acting abilities. Huaman had a lovely singing voice and a natural talent for storytelling, making her a standout performer on the show.

Christopher Reeve, best known for his role as Superman in the 1978 film and its sequels, appeared in several episodes of HBO Storybook Musicals. Reeve played various characters in the series, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

One of the unique aspects of HBO Storybook Musicals was the use of puppets in some of the episodes. The creators of the show used puppets to represent certain characters or animals in the stories, adding a whimsical and playful element to the show. The puppetry was well-done, and the puppets themselves were cute and charming, adding to the overall entertainment value of the series.

The songs in HBO Storybook Musicals were catchy and upbeat, with a variety of musical styles represented throughout the series. Some songs were more traditional musical theater-style numbers, while others had a rock or pop influence. Regardless of the style, the songs were all well-written and performed with enthusiasm by the cast.

Overall, HBO Storybook Musicals was a delightful and entertaining series that brought classic children's stories to life in a fresh and entertaining way. The combination of acting, singing, and puppetry made for a fun and engaging show that was suitable for viewers of all ages. The performances by Stallings, Huaman, and Reeve were all top-notch, making each episode a joy to watch. While the show only ran for one season, it left a lasting impression on those who watched it, and its legacy as a classic children's show endures to this day.

HBO Storybook Musicals is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between September 24, 2012 and on HBO

HBO Storybook Musicals
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Seasons
A Child's Garden of Verses
11. A Child's Garden of Verses
April 3, 1992
'A Child's Garden of Verses.' A young boy, confined to his bed, uses his imagination to find fun and excitement in this animated tale.
Ira Sleeps Over
10. Ira Sleeps Over
November 6, 1991
'Ira Sleeps Over.' Little Ira is invited to his best friend's sleep-over party, but struggles with leaving his beloved teddy bear behind.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
9. The Tale of Peter Rabbit
June 11, 1991
'The Tale of Peter Rabbit.' Beatrix Potter's charming story of the mischievous rabbit comes to life in this animated musical special.
HBO Storybook Musicals: A Child's Garden of Verses
7. HBO Storybook Musicals: A Child's Garden of Verses
September 24, 2012
A young boy, confined to his bed, uses his imagination to find the fun and excitement he can't experience in real life. Tony Award-winning actor Jonathan Pryce (Miss Saigon) lends his voice to this animated musical based on the life and beloved children's poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson. Songs composed by Charles Strouse.
HBO Storybook Musicals: Ira Sleeps Over
6. HBO Storybook Musicals: Ira Sleeps Over
September 24, 2012
Ira's been invited to sleep over at his best friend's house. But can he leave his beloved teddy bear Tah Tah behind? His dilemma is charmingly portrayed in this delightful animated musical based on the popular children's story by Bernard Waber. Songs by William Finn ('Falsettos').
HBO Storybook Musicals: The Tale of Peter Rabbit
5. HBO Storybook Musicals: The Tale of Peter Rabbit
September 24, 2012
Peter Rabbit's mother told him to stay out of Farmer McGregor's garden, but Peter couldn't resist...and almost ended up in a rabbit pie! Beatrix Potter's charming story of the mischievous rabbit comes to life with spectacular animation and delightful music. Carol Burnett narrates and sings in this animated musical special adapted by Tony Geiss (An American Tail), with music by Stephen Lawrence and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof).
HBO Storybook Musicals: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
4. HBO Storybook Musicals: Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
September 24, 2012
What a day Alexander is having! He's got gum stuck in his hair, he trips on his skateboard and he can't find his favorite glow-in-the-dark yo-yo. Things go from bad to worse in this charming animated musical based on the book by Judith Viorst.
HBO Storybook Musicals: Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
3. HBO Storybook Musicals: Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel
September 24, 2012
Steam-shovel operator Mike Mulligan comes to life through the delightful voice of comedian Robert Klein in this animated musical based on the classic children's book. Mike and his trusty shovel Mary Anne are known throughout the land for digging canals, cutting through mountains and creating roads. But what will happen to them when the steam shovel becomes outdated? The solution is suitably charming!
HBO Storybook Musicals: Earthday Birthday
2. HBO Storybook Musicals: Earthday Birthday
September 24, 2012
The Planet Earth is having a birthday--and you're invited to the party! This delightful animated musical features the 'Zwibble Dibbles,' a magical, irresistible bunch of baby dinosaurs who want to help save the planet from the ravages of pollution. Join Orbit and all her animal friends as they show what we can all do in the crusade to save our often-neglected world.
HBO Storybook Musicals: Lyle, Lyle Crocodile: The Musical 'The House on East 88th Street'
1. HBO Storybook Musicals: Lyle, Lyle Crocodile: The Musical 'The House on East 88th Street'
September 24, 2012
What's that green thing in the bathtub? When the Primm family moves into their new house on East 88th Street, they discover Lyle, a friendly crocodile left behind by his former owner. Lyle and his new family have a splendid time together--until his rightful owner comes to claim him. Charles Strouse (Annie) created the score for this original animated musical based on the popular book by Bernard Waber.
Description
Where to Watch HBO Storybook Musicals
HBO Storybook Musicals is available for streaming on the HBO website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch HBO Storybook Musicals on demand at Amazon, Hulu, Vudu, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    September 24, 2012
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (21)